neonquilt's Journal, 13 May 2014

Ikr! I was blown away when I started calorie counting by the calories in... like McDonald's Fries. It's totally insane! Just keep your head down and let it go on the frustration. You are right, that is everywhere- other jobs, family, friends. Just bite your tongue and know what you know. Try to let it roll off you and just focus on what's good for you. It took me a long time to get to where I could do that. I inherited my father's temper (although luckily not the alcoholism) and it is very hard to do. In the long run it's worth acquiring the ability. Something that helped my outlook a lot was 'remembering the good' every day writing down what was good about the day, and only what was good. That doesn't mean still ranting occasionally on places like this (although I've found I need to less and less). Having a physical journal or private blog to write down only what is good in your days is a great way to change your outlook and all around attitude. It's amazing how much easier it is to deal with ignorant or unpleasant people (or things like illness or misfortune) when you feel like your life is pretty good on the whole =) Keep looking up! 

There are ways to enjoy the things you want (in moderation and in light of caloric allowance) If it's not a trigger food (causes you to binge unnecessarily) then why not work it in? We have a cheat day on Saturday where we eat what we want with no tracking. It's very unlikely that I would eat 3500 (the equivalent of a pound) calories in one day on top of my daily calories so it works for me. That's one way of treating yourself. Another way is for example on Mother's day, my MIL wanted pizza, so I IF'd the morning away (intermittent fasting) with just coffee and then when the pizza came (thin crust, i don't like the crust anyways) each slice was 160 calories and I was able to have 5 slices. It's all about planning and perspective. I have a friend that keeps an excel spreadsheet of take out joints and the foods he likes there, so he's always aware of what he can have that will fit his calories. There are many ways of working it in, so you aren't denying yourself. This shouldn't be miserable.  

First don't compare yourself to others. We are all different and have different genetics. Some people look like they don't have to work at it but they work really hard. You can learn how to eat out and enjoy the food. If you want an occasional big mac, have it, but plan for it. You can look up nutritional information before you go somewhere and find things you can order. I had BK the other day and with a whopper jr. and had a side salad with light dressing . You may not be able to have what you want all the time, but you can have it some of the time. The military can be difficult, but so can any job. If you are really unhappy, then start making in positive changes in your life that will help you in the future. Start taking classes in something you enjoy. Find a different path. I wish there was an easy answer, but life is all about finding our own way and trying to enjoy the ride along the way. And venting is good too, lol! Good luck! 

Thanks much appreciated